From the Poet’s Corner Collection

By Susan F. Adams

LOVELAND, OH (June 19, 2025) – Poet Susan F. Adams returns after a long hiatus due to health concerns – a tale of tarnished gold.

This poem comes from her heart – in more than a medical way:

In her own words:

Venous Stasis: our heart has to pump the blood from our legs back up to the heart. If the valves leak, the blood regurgitates back into the chamber it just left. This results in swollen legs.

Congestive heart failure happens when the heart can’t keep up with the needs of the body. My legs became swollen with pitting edema over time. Eventually I had all the cardiac symptoms. Twice I thought I was going to die. I was given Lasix (diuretic) and within 12 hours I lost 17 pounds. Oh to be young again!

The Golden Years are Tarnished

I just completed eighty-eight years on earth

Moving toward eighty-nine has left me in shock!

Each year flew by as quickly as one day

Somebody must have oiled the clock!

Each time I see my Doctor,

He gives me a new diagnosis.

Venous Stasis is the newest one

Thank God he didn’t say cirrhosis!

“just going to Doctor’s!”

Was my friends instant reply.

I’m afraid if I stopped going

I could very easily die.

Congestive heart failure put me in the hospital.

With treatment, seventeen pounds is what I lost.

Many different doctor’s came into my room.

I hope my insurance will cover the cost!

My driving privilege has been suspended.

What a curse to be denied the right to drive!

Golden Years are not meant for sissies.

You’ve got to be tough in order to survive.

• Susan F. Adams
• June 4, 2025

Loveland Beacon asks all of our readers, especially the community of Loveland, to pray for Susan, send her positive thoughts and hope our most beloved poet will see the gold shine through in her years to come. Thank you Susan F. Adams for your spirit and poetic contribution to our community.